Politicians clash over farm finance

The Federal Agriculture Minister says he'll keep working with the states to see concessional loans rolled out for debt-laden farmers across the country.

But an agreement seems unlikely in the short-term, with the Coalition state primary industries ministers saying they won't sign up unless the Commonwealth pays for the plan.

The Gillard Government's farm finance proposal includes $420 million for concessional loans for so-called "viable farmers" in debt stress - each state and the Northern Territory would receive $60 million over two years.

But that's been met with sharp criticism from federal and state Coalition MPs, who say the package is inequitable and poorly thought out.

Farmers protest rate rise

Brett Worthington

Dryland farmers within the Mildura Rural City Council will consider not paying increased rates as a sign of protest.

The council's draft budget scraps a differential rate for drainage and includes it in the general rate all land owners pay.

The change means about 4000 dryland properties and irrigation blocks face a 12.5-per-cent rate rise, while businesses and residential ratepayers will pay, on average, an extra 2.4 per cent.

Ouyen farmer Ian Hastings says people are considering not paying the rate hike until the council recognises the unfairness of the change.

Burnt trees conditioning soils

Brett Worthington

Burning dead trees, vines and branches into a charcoal-like black dirt could help boost soil nutrients and water retention.

Researchers used the Mildura Field Days to demonstrate the potential of biochar, a form of carbon that is difficult to break down.